Awesome Arizona

In February we went to Arizona to visit our friends, the Slabaugh's.  We had a wonderful time relaxing and playing.  Thank you, Phil and Rachel!

The beautiful front gate through which we traveled to our many adventures.  We took some snow along so the locals could enjoy some real winter weather.  In the midst of snow storm we traveled to Kartchner Caverns, one of the few living caves open to the public. 

Spanish dancers before the Tucson Rodeo Parade.

 

Going hiking with Uncle Phil, looking for artifacts from the ancient tribes who once lived in the area was a trip highlight. It was very fun and we found several pieces.  The kids and Warren soon learned a healthy respect for cholla cactus.  We saw a couple bunnies and quail along the way.

Feeding the ducks at the lake.

We spent a day at the Desert Museum enjoying the animals and displays. 

 

 

Alexis and Alectra stayed with Aunt Rachel while the rest of us checked out the Pima Air Museum.  The history was fascinating and brought to life the World Wars Jayce and Emerald were studying at the time.

 

 

As the economy waffles, we are learning more about precious metals so we went to a copper mine.  AZ is the largest producer of copper in the U.S. It is an incredible process to get copper out of the ground and purified.

One of the tires from the trucks they use to haul ore to the crusher.  Massive!

Jayce and Warren hiked to the old gold mines with Phil and one of his friends.  Jayce brought home several neat specimens but discovered that he had left the one with the gold in it behind.  He was hoping to go back but we ran out of time.

A beautiful view!

Hours a day were spent in the heated pool. 

Playing tennis, bocce ball and riding bikes more than filled the hours of the day. 

I made the girls Mexican Barbie dresses after the girls saw the dancers at the parade. 

We Love you!  Thanks for the vacation and blessing you are to us.